Leona Helmsley’s will is causing quite a stir. In addition to leaving millions of dollars to her dog, the NYTimes says it contains nuggets like:
To receive money from the trusts, the grandsons are required under the will to visit the grave each year of their father, Jay Panzirer, Mrs. Helmsley’s only child, who died on March 31, 1982. “If DAVID or WALTER fails to visit the grave during any calendar year, her or his interest in the separate trust established for her or his benefit shall be terminated at the end of such calendar year,” with the principal treated as though the grandson “had then died,” the will states.
Not sure you want to encourage your donors to do this. But stories like this make it much easier to talk to your donors about leaving your nonprofit in their will.
Could a new planned giving approach be:
Hey, did you hear the one about Leona Helmsley? 🙂
